Value Statements

We value justice. Justice Works! recognizes that injustice and oppression exist based on race, sex, class, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation and disability. We oppose injustice and oppression and their expression in physical, sexual, psychological and emotional forms, which is used as a means to control others. We believe injustice and oppression in all forms is destructive and should not be tolerated.

We value safety. We believe that individuals have a right to emotional and physical safety. We oppose the use of fear, intimidation and violence and means of control. We respect confidentiality. We believe that the safety of communities is directly tied to the underlying contributors to crime which are desperation and defiance. Barriers to success cause desperation and injustices cause defiance. To build safe communities, we work at these underlying causes of crime.

We value collaboration. We acknowledge that effective organizing demands a comprehensive, coordinated response. We work in collaboration with systems, organizations, community groups and individuals to promote the most effective reentry and advocacy work. We believe that injustice will end only when individuals, institutions and society as a whole work together to demand its end.

We value empowerment. We value individual's ability to make their own choices and support their journey to freedom. We provide solutions which support the empowerment of individuals to free themselves. We believe in treating all people with respect and dignity.

We value accountability. We believe in honesty and integrity. We believe people who commit crimes must be held accountable for their behaviors. We also believe that all individuals, institutions and society as a whole must be honest about and held accountable for the harm they do.